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Dogs get hurt, just like we do, and sometimes they can be hurt in a way that causes them to limp. However, our fur babies can’t tell us what’s wrong or how it happened. So, we are left to figure out what the problem is and how to help. But it’s not always easy or straightforward when it comes to a limping dog.
What Causes a Dog to Limp?
There are many reasons a dog may start limping, including:
- Something stuck in a paw (such as a sticker)
- Bug bites or stings
- Strains and tears in ligaments, muscles, or tendons
- Trauma (such as broken bones, being in a fight, and more)
- Osteoarthritis
- Infections
- Inflammatory conditions
- Vascular issues
Do I Need to Call the Vet?
It depends on what’s wrong and how badly this is affecting your dog. You may need to call the vet in these instances:
- A dangling limb
- A broken limb
- Dog is whining and crying continuously
- A limb or other body part that feels warm
- Limping accompanied by a fever
- Limping that’s combined with other worrisome symptoms
If your dog has any of these symptoms, be sure to call the vet right away. Don’t wait to see if the dog’s symptoms worsen or improve. These symptoms can be an indication of serious injuries that need to be treated ASAP.
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The first thing is to ensure your dog is resting and not exercising or playing. Limiting your dog’s activities is important because being too active could cause even more damage. Exercise should be avoided until your dog’s injury has healed.
Check your canine companion’s injury and see if there are painful places, bites, scratches, swelling, and more. Is your dog bleeding? If your dog is in a lot of pain and has these or other symptoms, it’s a good idea to call the vet.
If the limp isn’t severe, you can monitor your dog for 24 to 48 hours. If any further symptoms develop and/or the limp doesn’t improve, it’s time to call the vet.
Summing It Up
If you’re not sure whether to call the vet or not, it’s better to err on the side of caution. You can call the vet ask for their guidance on whether they need to see your dog. If not, the vet will offer advice on how to treat your dog’s injury and may ask to see your dog in a day or so if things haven’t improved. It all depends on how your dog is feeling and the severity of his injury.
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Kyoko
Kyoko is from a family of 3 and moved to New York with her parents and siblings when she was 13. Kyoko is fond of spending a great amount of time with pets, specifically her beagle Luna and cat Missy. Her boyfriend often complains that she spends too much time giving attention to their animals. Kyoko has written dozens of articles concerning pets and is aiming at owning a pet shop one day!
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